Industry

The 14th edition of CEE Animation Forum has announced its winners in Pilsen, Czech Republic, bringing three days of pitching, networking and industry activities to a close. This year's event distributed €100,000 in cash and non-monetary prizes, recognising outstanding animated projects from across Europe. The Pitching Competition featured 33 projects across four categories: short films, student short films, series and TV specials, and feature films. More than 70% of the selected projects involved Central and Eastern European production partners. The combined estimated budget exceeded €48 million, while the accompanying market showcased more than 60 projects at different stages of development and production.

The 2026 programme also placed a strong emphasis on animated series, with the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award worth €50,000 among the highlights. The winners and special mentions include:

Audience Award: How to Become a Landlord
Feature Film: Winner: Dancing Bears. Special Mention: Back to Tomioka
Series and TV Specials: Winner: Lussekatt. Special Mention: Finding Home
Short Film: Winner: Trois-Fois-Rien. Special Mentions: Half Open Half Pose and Family Recipe
Student Short Film: Winner: Ita Turns 30. Special Mention: Redefining Island

Additional Awards
Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award: Illogical Adult World
CEE Animation Workshop Award: In the Workfield
Ciclic Residency: Trois-Fois-Rien
Travelling Distribution Award: Redefining Island
Cartoon Movie – Direct Access: Dancing Bears
Cartoon Forum – Direct Access: Pebbi
TVPaint Animation Licence: How to Become a Landlord

Alongside the competition, the forum featured industry presentations by representatives of the Council of Europe, Dandelooo, FLENG Entertainment and European broadcasters, including DR, RTV Slovenia and Yle. Discussions addressed international co-production opportunities, European collaboration, young audiences and the growing potential of adult animation.
The programme also included the IP in Animation Lab, organised in partnership with CEE Animation Workshop, focusing on intellectual property development, protection, licensing and commercial opportunities in the animation sector.

CEE Animation Forum is financially supported by Creative Europe MEDIA and co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through the International Visegrad Fund, with additional support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.